BMW, Mercedes-Benz Continue to Mull Four-Cylinders for Future; Good Idea or Bad?

Talk of German powerhouses Mercedes-Benz and BMW employing a variety of four-cylinder engines in their future U.S. lineups has arisen once again. According to an Automotive News report, both automakers are seriously looking towards implementing the motors in North America due to tough upcoming emissions and fuel economy standards.We first noted BMW's interest in four-cylinders last month when our very own Todd Lassa interviewed the manufacturer's M division CEO, Ludwig Willisch. The executive coolly remarked the performance arm is "at the very beginning" stages of four-cylinder development. As the M division usually introduces its enthusiast models behind its regular brethren, it's a good sign some sort of standard model is well on its way in the production schedule.BMW of North America CEO Jim O'Donnell further revealed that a four-cylinder twin-turbo engine with direct-injection could be used in the next 1- and 3-Series, as well as their X1 and X3 crossover derivatives. The only foreseeable disadvantage, the CEO stated, is that next-generation four-cylinders are more expensive to produce than six-cylinders due to their advanced technologies. It's likely any extra cost could be passed on to consumers.Mercedes-Benz cut production of its last U.S.-sold four-cylinder back in 2005 and is also considering a smaller engine type for future models. The most likely powertrain candidate would be derived from the brand's E250 Bluetec show car from the New York show. Under its hood was a 204-hp 2.2L inline-four turbo diesel that was said to achieve 40 mpg highway. CEO Ernst Lieb mentioned such a motor will likely be seen in the C-Class or GLK crossover, if it gets the greenlight.BMW last produced a four-cylinder for the U.S. market in 1999 with the largely unsuccessful 318ti hatchback (above).Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Hell yeah! If the Jerries can build a 4 banger diesel econobox with a cushy ride and cool Euro looks hovering over 40mpg!Then I'll get one for my daily drive to work! Hope the price is right! Germans make cool cars and excellent beer,the problem is that they know it :grin:

+1 Mortal, also problem is they can't charge the same for a 4 cyl as they would a six. That would not work. Putting a turbo or Di does not mean that the 4pot will be more expensive. More complex? Yes. And again, they don't need turbo unless they feel the need for low end torque.

Audi has proven you can do a premium 4cyl. However they have to be careful, Japanese automakers have a lot of experience in this sector. If someone is considering a luxury 4cyl, they may well consider a gti or mini, but they'll have to fight off acura if they bring out a 4cyl 3 series or c class.

YES!!! that's the only thing I don't like about the BMW 1 series, is it's lack of a 4 cylinder. Offering a 4 would not only be more practical in such a small car, but would pay more homage to the 2002.

BMW had built 4 cyl engines for a very long time and still does so in Europe. Why is it that people are so snobish to 4 cylinders? This comes from a person that loves V-8s. If I can understand them why can't the rest of the people? Oh wait, us mere peasants can't understand snobs only deserve 6s and 8s! **sarcasm for the tone challenged**This is a good move, but they do not need a ton of power. Hyteck is right. make the cars lighter and then just put the 2.0 (add just DI, not turbo too) you have in Europe in the NA cars. 200hp will do. All this technology is really not needed. You still can have the 300 hp twin turbo I6 as an option. Make it a little more affordable like they used to be and then you should have a hit.

i think its inevitable. 4 cylinders are proving surpsingly smooth and powerful, while still getting their trademark fuel economy. as long as they are as smooth as their respective 6 cylinders, and just as powerful, i think its a great idea.